Bihar Polls: Congress-RJD Rift Deepens Ahead of Nomination Deadline

National News:The opposition Grand Alliance in Bihar is slipping into serious trouble as Congress and RJD spar over seat-sharing. Fresh reports indicate that RJD has announced candidates in constituencies that were usually contested by Congress, angering Congress leaders who see this as a breach of agreement. Leaders Ajay Kushwaha, Shivani Shukla, and Rajnish Bharti have already been fielded by RJD against Congress contenders, setting the stage for so-called “friendly contests” that could eventually divide the opposition’s vote bank.

Rumors worsen the coalition stalemate

Speculation is growing that RJD may also contest in Kutumba, a seat currently held by Bihar Congress chief Rajesh Kumar Ram. Such a move would spark direct conflict between allies. Analysts say this dispute has emerged because of an incomplete seat-sharing formula. With the filing date for nominations in the second phase of polling drawing close, the delay is raising questions about the coalition’s stability. Both parties seem unwilling to compromise, making negotiations difficult.

Congress leaders hit out strongly

Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram has openly accused RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav of shifting his stance and sabotaging the alliance. He claims Tejashwi entered meetings with cooperation but later acted against agreed decisions. Ram also alleges that RJD is ignoring Dalit representation within the coalition. His words have further deepened mistrust between the partners. For the Congress, this is not just about losing seats but about losing credibility before Dalit voters in Bihar.

RJD stays cautious in response

RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari avoided a direct confrontation but said the party high command is monitoring developments closely. He reminded Congress that RJD contests primarily in Bihar and a few seats in Jharkhand, unlike Congress which has national ambitions. Tiwari argued that Congress should understand the ground realities in Bihar where RJD remains the dominant player. He urged patience, saying top leaders of all alliance partners will meet soon to resolve disputes.

BJP mocks alliance cracks

The Bharatiya Janata Party has seized on these developments, mocking the opposition alliance as weak and divided. BJP leaders said the so-called Grand Alliance cannot manage its own seat-sharing, let alone govern Bihar. They also pointed to the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leaving the INDIA bloc recently, calling it proof that opposition unity is only a show. For BJP, this rift is an opportunity to consolidate support and highlight the opposition’s inability to present a united front.

Stakes high as deadline nears

The deadline for nominations in 122 constituencies of Bihar is fast approaching. Yet, the opposition has failed to present a clear strategy. Political observers warn that voters may lose confidence in the alliance if disputes continue. With confusion over who will contest from which seat, campaign momentum is slowing down. Congress fears that RJD’s aggressive stance may push away loyal supporters, weakening the overall opposition challenge against the BJP-led ruling coalition.

Future of alliance uncertain

Despite assurances of further talks, the path ahead looks uncertain for the Mahagathbandhan. Unless top leaders intervene quickly, more “friendly fights” may erupt, splitting opposition votes. While RJD insists it is acting in Bihar’s political reality, Congress feels sidelined and betrayed. The coming days will decide whether the alliance holds or collapses under internal tensions. For now, the unity that once promised a strong challenge to BJP appears fragile and under severe pressure.